Actor Song Young-kyu remembered for his passion and talent: ‘He lived for acting’
Song Young-kyu / Courtesy of Management Koo
The late actor Song Young-kyu, who passed away suddenly at age 56, is being remembered for his unwavering dedication to acting.
On Monday, Song was found dead inside a vehicle parked in a residential complex in Cheoin District, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.
Following news of his death, a longtime acquaintance from the entertainment industry shared their sorrow in an interview with Xportsnews, recalling Song's deep commitment to his craft.
“He had incredible talent, a good personality and boundless passion,” said the source. “He was someone who thought only of acting from a young age and truly excelled at it.” They added, “It’s heartbreaking to lose someone with so much talent and passion.”
Just weeks before his death, on July 19, Song had been investigated for drunk driving after operating a vehicle while intoxicated for approximately five kilometers between Giheung and Cheoin Districts in Yongin. His blood alcohol level was reported at 0.08 percent, at which point the penalty can include loss of license,+ and the case was forwarded to the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office at the end of July.
The incident had an impact on his ongoing projects. Song stepped down from the stage play “Shakespeare in Love,” while drama productions including ENA’s “Eye Shopping” and SBS’s “The Winning Try” announced adjustments to minimize the effect of his absence on the storyline.
His sudden death, coming just ten days after the case was transferred to the prosecution, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community.
Song gained wide recognition in 2019 with his role as Choi, a tough detective and rival to Go (played by Ryu Seung-ryong), in the blockbuster film “Extreme Job,” which drew over 16 million viewers. He continued to build a steady career with appearances in the dramas “Hot Stove League,” “Hyena” and “Tale of the Nine Tailed,” as well as films such as “A French Woman,” “Baseball Girl,” and streaming series “Narco-Saints” and “Big Bet.”
This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.